Wearable heat transfer devices and associated systems and methods

ABSTRACT

Wearable heat transfer devices and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a representative heat transfer device can comprise (i) thermoelectric components each having a first side and a second side, (ii) a heat transfer system having a heat exchanger and an array of fluid distribution networks, in which individual fluid distribution networks are thermally coupled to the second side of a corresponding one of the thermoelectric components and fluidically coupled to the heat exchanger, and (iii) a flexible support unit coupled to the first sides of the thermoelectric components and extending at least between individual thermoelectric components, wherein the flexible support unit is a heat spreader configured to enhance heat transfer from a target area.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 17/183,313, filed Feb. 23, 2021, and is related to U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 16/936,358, titled THERMAL MANAGEMENT DEVICE ANDSYSTEM, filed Jul. 22, 2020, the disclosures of which are incorporatedherein by reference in their entireties.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This present disclosure relates to heat transfer devices configured tobe worn by a user, and associated systems and methods.

BACKGROUND

Significant heat fluxes are produced in a wide variety of engineeringapplications, and there is demand for advanced and efficient heatdissipation systems capable of extracting and dissipating these heatfluxes in order to keep temperatures within acceptable operating ranges.Such demand is present within the field of wearable devices that areconfigured to dissipate heat from a target area, e.g., to aid with painor swelling of the user wearing the device. However, despite suchdemand, a significant gap exists between the heat transfer performancedesired by industry and the heat transfer performance readily availablewith current devices and systems. For example, current single- ortwo-phase systems are necessarily large and heavy to provide an adequateheat flux to treat swelling and post-surgical applications. However,such systems are uncomfortable in a wearable device and are often toolarge to work with the complex contours of certain anatomical features,including the knee, shoulder, ankle, leg, arm, back, head, neck, and/orelbow regions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Features, aspects, and advantages of the presently disclosed technologymay be better understood with regard to the following drawings.

FIGS. 1A and 1B are partially schematic cross-sectional views of heattransfer devices disposed around a portion of a mammal, in accordancewith embodiments of the present technology.

FIG. 2 is partially schematic top view of the heat transfer device ofFIG. 1B, in accordance with embodiments of the present technology.

FIG. 3 is a partially schematic enlarged cross-sectional view of aportion of the heat transfer device shown in FIG. 1B, in accordance withembodiments of the present technology.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are partially schematic cross-sectional isometric viewsof a portion of a heat transfer device, in accordance with embodimentsof the present technology.

FIG. 5A is a partially schematic top view of a single-phase heattransfer system of a wearable heat transfer device, in accordance withembodiments of the present technology.

FIG. 5B is a partially schematic cross-sectional side view of the heattransfer system of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 6A is a partially schematic cross-sectional view of a wearable heattransfer device, in accordance with embodiments of the presenttechnology.

FIG. 6B is a partially schematic top view of the heat transfer device ofFIG. 6A.

FIGS. 7-9 are partially schematic cross-sectional views of wearable heattransfer devices, in accordance with embodiments of the presenttechnology.

FIG. 10A is a partially schematic view of a heat transfer device beingworn by a mammal, in accordance with embodiments of the presenttechnology.

FIGS. 10B-10D are partially schematic views of a heat transfer systemincluding the heat transfer device of FIG. 10A, in accordance withembodiments of the present technology.

FIGS. 11-19 are partially schematic views of heat transfer devices beingworn by a mammal at various target areas, in accordance with embodimentsof the present technology.

FIG. 20A is a schematic isometric exploded view of a heat transferdevice, in accordance with embodiments of the present technology.

FIG. 20B is an isometric view of the heat transfer device of FIG. 20A inan assembled form.

FIG. 21A is a partially schematic front view of an ocular device coupledto the heat transfer device of FIGS. 20A and 20B, in accordance withembodiments of the present technology.

FIG. 21B is an isometric view of the ocular device of FIG. 21A.

FIG. 22 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a system incorporatinga heat transfer device, in accordance with embodiments of the presenttechnology.

FIG. 23 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for treating a mammalvia a heat transfer device, in accordance with embodiments of thepresent technology.

A person skilled in the relevant art will understand that the featuresshown in the drawings are for purposes of illustrations, and variations,including different and/or additional features and arrangements thereof,are possible.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

I. Overview

Heat transfer devices generally have potential for efficient thermalmanagement of high heat flux operations. For example, two-phase heattransfer devices are able to take advantage of the latent heat ofevaporation of a working fluid used within the device that transfersheat and transitions between a vapor phase and a liquid phase. Becausethe liquid and vapor phases of the working fluid can be kept near asaturation temperature of the working fluid, the two-phase heat transferdevices can enable more effective heat transfer to and/or from the heatsource.

However, despite these benefits, the vast potential of phase change heattransfer devices has not been realized. As an example, most such devicesrely on heat exchange mechanisms that are limited by the spatial andtemporal randomness of boiling. The boiling (or bubbles of vapor)provide significant resistance to the flow of the working fluid and alsocreate dry areas on the heated surface, thus decreasing heat transferefficiency. Moreover, such devices often encounter “dry-out” of theevaporator and/or overheating damage. Specifically, due to the highresistance to the flow of the working fluid, sufficient liquid is notdelivered to the evaporation sites to replenish the evaporated mass, anddry-out and associated overheating damage often ensues.

In addition to the above-noted deficiencies of heat transfer devicesgenerally, current heat transfer devices that can be worn by a user alsohave limited application. The most prevalent wearable heat transferdevices used to thermally treat a target tissue area, e.g., at lowtemperatures, are ice bath fluid circulated sleeves and ice/gel packs.For the ice bath sleeves, cold fluid is circulated by a pump through asleeve wrapped around the target area, and tissue temperature drops asheat is conducted across the sleeve and absorbed by the colder fluid.The heated fluid is then cooled by flowing through an ice bath, and theheat removed from the tissue is absorbed by the ice as it melts. Oncethe ice in the ice bath melts, the temperature of the bath starts toincrease and the circulating fluid gradually warms up. At this point theeffectiveness of the system to cool the target tissue area and reducethe pain starts to diminish, and the user or caregiver must empty thebath and add ice and water to reinitiate treatment. The ice/gel packsplace similar burdens on the user and caregivers.

Both of these wearable devices have significant shortcomings, including(i) the lack of temperature control at which the tissue is exposed, (ii)a limited time period or capacity for cooling, (iii) an inability toreceive continuous cooling therapy without adjusting or tending to thedevice, and (iv) a lack of flexibility of the device, e.g., due to thepressurized liquid flow and/or rigidness of the icepacks, thereincausing an uncomfortable fit for the user. This last shortcoming canfurther limit the amount of heat transfer between the device and user,as the inflexible nature of the device prevents a conforming fit and/oroptimal thermal contact between the device and user. As a result,current wearable devices are unable to adequately thermally treat thetarget area of a mammal, and are generally ineffective in treatingunderlying conditions (e.g., pain, swelling, overheating, diminishedblood perfusion, diminished nerve connectivity, stroke, etc.).

Embodiments of the present disclosure address at least some of the abovedescribed issues by providing a thermal management device and systemthat, amongst other features, is safer, allows for better temperaturecontrol, and enables enhanced thermal contact between the device and theuser/mammal, e.g., by being flexible, and lighter and thinner thancurrent related devices. For example, as described in additional detailelsewhere herein, embodiments of the present disclosure can include (i)thermoelectric components thermally coupled to a target area of amammal, (ii) a heat transfer system or unit thermally coupled toindividual ones of the thermoelectric components, and (iii) a flexiblesupport unit coupled to the thermoelectric components and configured tobe disposed over and/or around the target area of the mammal. In someembodiments, the flexible support unit is wrapped around a portion ofthe mammal and fastened to provide a compressive force on that portion,such that the thermoelectric components are arranged to thermally treatthe target area. The TECs can each be individually controlled (e.g., setto a particular temperature) by a controller operably coupled thereto.As such, individual regions of the device can be set to differenttemperatures relative to other regions, and can thus individually treatcorresponding target areas of the mammal that the device is disposed onor around. When in a cooling mode, heat can flow to and/or from thetarget area to the TECs and to the heat transfer system.

As explained in detail below, the heat transfer system can include afluid distribution network configured to remove heat from the TECs. Insome embodiments, the fluid distribution network can include evaporatorshaving chambers that are fluidically coupled to a two-phase closed loopsystem including a liquid distribution passage and a vapor collectionpassage. In such embodiments, a working fluid can transition from aliquid phase to a vapor phase within channels of the evaporator chamberand thereby enable relatively efficient heat transfer to occur. In doingso, embodiments of the present disclosure enable the target area of themammal to undergo, e.g., rapid and controlled cooling and thereby treatcertain underlying conditions such as pain, swelling, overheating,diminished blood perfusion, diminished nerve connectivity, and/orstroke, while mitigating damage to the epidermal and/or dermal tissues.

In the Figures, identical reference numbers identify generally similar,and/or identical, elements. Many of the details, dimensions, and otherfeatures shown in the Figures are merely illustrative of particularembodiments of the disclosed technology. Accordingly, other embodimentscan have other details, dimensions, and features without departing fromthe spirit or scope of the disclosure. In addition, those of ordinaryskill in the art will appreciate that further embodiments of the variousdisclosed technologies can be practiced without several of the detailsdescribed below.

II. Heat Transfer Devices and Associated Systems and Methods

FIG. 1A is a partially schematic cross-sectional side view of a heattransfer device 50 (“device 50”) disposed around a portion of a mammal10, in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. As shownin the illustrated embodiment, the device 50 includes (i) a flexiblesupport unit 105 wrapped at least partially around a portion or targetarea (e.g., skin, tissue, arms, legs, knees, ankles, feet, shoulders,head, neck, face, elbows or any other body part area) of the mammal 10,(ii) a plurality of thermoelectric components or modules 110 (“TECs110”) disposed over the flexible support unit 105 and thermally coupledto the mammal 10, and (iii) a heat transfer system or unit 115 thermallycoupled to and configured to remove heat from the TECs 110. As describedin additional detail elsewhere herein the heat transfer system 15 caninclude a single-phase heat transfer system or a two-phase heat transfersystem (e.g., evaporative cooling system or pool boiling system). Inoperation, the TECs 110 can be set to a particular temperature and thusbe configured to heat and/or cool the target area of the mammal 10. Whenthe device 50 is in a cooling mode, for example, heat flow (H_(F))transfers from the mammal 10 to the flexible support unit 105, to theindividual TECs 110, and to the heat transfer system 115. As heat isremoved from the mammal 10 in such a manner, a cooling zone 15 on thetarget area forms and can extend to a cooling depth (D₁) of the mammal.The depth (D₁) can be at least 1 millimeter (mm), 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, or 5mm, or within a range of 1-5 mm or any incremental range thereof (e.g.,1.5-3 mm). The cooling zone 5 can correspond to a heating zone when thedevice 50 is in a heating mode. As explained in additional detailelsewhere herein, cooling (or heating) the target area in such acontrolled manner can enable the device 50 and other embodiments of thepresent technology to efficiently thermally treat target areas in wayscurrent conventional heat transfer devices cannot.

FIG. 1B is a partially schematic cross-sectional view of a heat transferdevice 100 (“the device 100”) disposed around a portion of a mammal 10.The device 100 can include all or some of the features described withreference to FIG. 1A and the device 50. As shown in FIG. 1B, the heattransfer system 115 is a two-phase heat transfer system and can includean array of fluid distribution networks or evaporators 120 eachthermally coupled to a corresponding one of the TECs 110, a liquiddistribution passage 130 configured to provide a working fluid in aliquid phase (WF_(L)) to each of the evaporators 120 (e.g., at arespective inlet 132 of each of the evaporators 120), a vapor collectionpassage 140 configured to receive the working fluid in a vapor phase(WF_(V)) from each of the evaporators 120 (e.g., at a respective outlet142 of each of the evaporators), and a heat exchanger or condenser 160.The condenser 160 is configured to receive and condense the vaporworking fluid (WF_(V)) from the vapor collection passage 140, andprovide the condensed liquid working fluid (WF_(L)) to the liquiddistribution passage 130. In some embodiments, the condenser 160 ispassively air cooled or actively cooled with a cooling fluid providedvia one or more pumps. The heat transfer system 115 can comprise aclosed loop two-phase system, wherein flow of the working fluid throughthe heat transfer system 15 is driven by heat transferred from the TECs110 to the individual evaporators 120. In some embodiments, the heattransfer system can include one or more pumps, and flow of the workingfluid through the heat transfer system 115 is driven by the pumps. Inother embodiments, flow of the working fluid through the heat transfersystem 115 is driven by gravity. For example, when driven by gravity,the condenser 160 may be positioned physically above the other portions(e.g., the evaporators 115) of the heat transfer system 115 such thatgravity can provide enough force to circulate the working fluid to theevaporators, where the working fluid is vaporized and returns to thecondenser 160 via the vapor collection passage 140. Additionally oralternatively, as explained in more detail elsewhere herein, flow of theworking fluid through the heat transfer system can be driven bycapillary forces induced by microfeatures (e.g., pillars, pins, orwalls) that form channels, present within chambers of the evaporatorsthat drive the liquid phase of the working fluid from inlets of thechambers toward the outlets of the chambers. Additionally oralternatively, in some embodiments the heat transfer system 115 caninclude a buffer vessel or reservoir configured to hold an excess amountof liquid working fluid (WF_(L)), e.g., to ensure the supply of theliquid working fluid (WF_(L)) can be continuously supplied and does notrun. The buffer vessel can be particularly beneficial when the device100 is operating at more extreme temperatures (e.g., 45° C., −20° C.,etc.). In some embodiments the buffer vessel and the condenser 160 maycomprise a single integral unit.

As shown in FIG. 1B, the individual evaporators 120 (and correspondingareas of the liquid distribution passage 130 and vapor collectionpassage 140) can have different orientations. For example, some of theevaporators 120 are disposed substantially parallel to gravitationforce, other evaporators are disposed at an angle relative togravitational force, and yet other evaporators are disposedsubstantially perpendicular to gravitational force. Accordingly, in someembodiments the heat transfer system 115 can operate despite thesedifferent orientations and/or be substantially insensitive togravitational forces acting on the device 100. That is, the heattransfer system 115 and its individual elements (e.g., the evaporators120) can operate irrespective of their orientation to gravitationalforce.

In some embodiments, the heat transfer system 115 can be configured tooperate as either a two-phase system, in which the working fluidtransitions between liquid and vapor phases, or a single phase system,in which the working fluid remains in a liquid phase that is repeatedlycooled and heated. In some embodiments, the heat transfer system 115 cantransition between a two-phase system and a single-phase system, e.g.,based on the amount of liquid working fluid supplied. As more liquidworking fluid is supplied, the absorptive heat capacity of thecirculating working fluid increases and can experience less or novaporization.

The flexible support unit 105 is thermally coupled to and extendsbetween each of the TECs 110. The flexible support unit 105 can comprisea thermally conductive and/or flexible contact member that acts as aheat spreader to enhance heat transfer to and/or from the target area ofthe mammal 10 in the regions between the TECs 10. Additionally oralternatively, the flexible support unit 105 can comprise conductivematerials and/or biocompatible materials, including metals, metallicalloys, coatings, polymers, silicone, and/or combinations thereof. Insome embodiments, the contact member can comprise a metal sheet ormaterial at a first side of the contact member and in contact with theindividual TECs 110, and a non-metal sheet or material at a secondopposing side of the contact member and in contact with the mammal 10.In some embodiments, the flexible support unit 105 comprises an elasticwrap or material configured to be wrapped around the target area. Theelastic wrap can be strapped with a fastener configured to retain theelastic wrap and exert a compressive force against the target area ofthe mammal 10. As shown in FIG. 1B, the TECs 110 are each disposed overflexible support unit 105, and the flexible support unit 105 is disposedaround the mammal 10. In some embodiments, the flexible support unit 105extends only between individual ones of the TECs 110 and the TECs 110are disposed directly over the mammal 10 (e.g., in direct contact withthe mammal 10). In some embodiments, the flexible support unit 105 canbe omitted entirely, and the TEC is disposed over or directly over themammal 10.

The TECs 110 can comprise a semiconductor-based electronic componentconfigured to move heat from one side of the TEC 110 to a secondopposing side of the TEC 110. The TECs 110 can provide precise,controllable, and/or localized temperature control at the interfacebetween the target area and the device 100. As shown in FIG. 1A, theTECs 110 are thermally coupled to the mammal 10, and can be set to aparticular temperature and/or predetermined temperature profile (e.g.,constant temperature profile, temperature cycle profile, and/or timebased profiles) by a controller (e.g., the controller 2294; FIG. 22 ) tocool and/or heat the adjacent target area of the mammal 10. Setting theTECs 110, e.g., to a particular temperature can include providing acurrent to the TECs 110 that corresponds to that temperature. Forexample, setting a first TEC 110 to a first temperature can includeproviding a first current to the first TEC 110, and setting a second TEC110 to a second temperature different than first temperature can includeproviding a second current different than the first current to thesecond TEC 110. In doing so,

In some embodiments, individual TECs 110 are individually controlled bythe controller. For example, the individual TECs 110 can be controlledindependent of other individual TECs 110, e.g., to provide localized andvariable control when desired. As such, when the device 100 is disposedaround a a mammal, different regions of the device 100 can be heatedand/or cooled at different temperatures depending on the desired therapyfor the individual region. For example, when the device is wrappedaround an arm or leg, individual TECs 110 or groups of TECs 110 adjacenta bone region may be set to a first temperature, and other TECs 110 orother groups of TEVs 110 adjacent a more muscular region may be set to asecond higher temperature. In doing so, the mammal 10 can experiencedesired therapy at only certain target areas.

As an example of how the TECs 110 may be operated, in some embodimentsthe first side of the TECs 110 facing the mammal 10 or the second sideof the TECs 110 facing the evaporators 120 can be set to a temperaturewithin a range of 45° C. to −20° C. (e.g., 40° C., 35° C., 20° C., 5°C., 0° C., −5° C., −10° C., −15° C., etc.). In some embodiments, theTECs 110, either alone or in combination with the evaporators 120, canbe configured such that the second side of the TECs 110 is set or heldat a first temperature or first temperature range and the first side ofthe TECs 110 are controlled to be cooled from normal surface bodysurface temperatures to a second temperature or second temperaturerange. In such embodiments, the second temperature or second temperaturerange can be more or less (e.g., 5° C., 10° C., 20° C., 30° C., or 40°C. more or less) than the first temperature or first temperature ranges.Additionally or alternatively, upon setting the temperature at thesecond side of the TEC s 110, the first side of the TECs 110 can beconfigured to reach a desired temperature within a predetermined time,e.g., no more than 10 seconds, 20 seconds, 30 seconds, 40 seconds, or 60seconds, or within a range of 10-60 second or any incremental rangetherebetween. As disclosed elsewhere herein, operation of the TECs 110may be based on a signal received from one or more sensors configured todetect temperature of the target area, the first side of the TEC 110, orthe second side of the TEC.

The TECs 110 can be placed in a heating mode, a cooling mode, or cyclebetween cooling and heating to control the temperature at the targetarea. Heat flow across an individual TEC 110 can be a function oftemperature difference between its two side and/or the electric powerinput provide to the individual TEC 110 from a power source (e.g., power2292; FIG. 22 ) The mode and/or operation of the mode can be selectedbased on, e.g., predetermined cycle times and/or temperature sensorfeedback. When in the heating mode, the TECs 110 can provide heat to thetarget area of the mammal 10 (e.g., via the flexible support unit 105)by heating the first side of the TECs 110 which causes the second sidesof the TECs 110 to cool. The evaporators 120 can be controlled (e.g.,turned off) to mitigate further cooling of the second side of the TECs110. In some embodiments, the device 100 can further comprise additionalresistive heaters that can be controlled via the controller andconfigured to heat the adjacent target area of the mammal 10.

When in the cooling mode, the evaporators 120 are configured to removeheat from hotter second sides of the TECs 110 and thereby enable thefirst sides of the TECs 110 to cool the adjacent target area of themammal 10. As such, in the cooling mode heat flows from the target areaof the mammal 10 in a radially outward direction to the TECs 110 andthen to the evaporators 120. As previously described, the TECs 110 canalso cycle between the cooling and heating modes, which can enhanceblood flow and perfusion to the target area. In some embodiments,parameters of the cooling and/or heating modes are based on or limitedby safety considerations, such as a maximum heating or coolingtemperature and/or maximum amount of heating or cooling time (e.g., 15minutes, 20 minutes, etc.). Additional details regarding individual TECs110 are provided elsewhere herein (e.g., with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4).

As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the device 100 includes eightseparate TECs 110. In other embodiments, the actual number of TECs 110may be more or less (e.g., 2, 3, 5, 10, 20, 30, or more) depending onthe particular end use of the device 100 and the heating/coolingcapacity requirements needed from the device 100. Additionally oralternatively, the TECs 110 may be arranged differently than that shownin FIG. 1 . For example, in addition to individual TECs 110 be disposedaround a target area (e.g., around a circumference of the mammal 10) asshown in FIG. 1 , individual TECs 110 may be stacked on top of oneanother to increase the heating and/or cooling ability of thatparticular stack of TECs 110. In such embodiments, a second TEC 110stacked on top of a first TEC 110 can have one side in contact with thefirst TEC 110 and another opposing side in contact with the evaporator120. The stacked arrangement of TECs 110 can be particularly beneficialwhen more extreme temperatures (e.g., less than 0° C., −10° C., or −20°C.) at the target area of the mammal 10 are desired. This ability tovary the number and arrangement of TECs 110 enables the device 100 to betailored to a greater variety of end use applications.

As previously described, the evaporators 120 are each disposed overcorresponding ones or multiple ones of the TECs 110. The liquiddistribution passage 130 and the vapor collection passage 140 arefluidically coupled to each of the evaporators 120, or more particularlyto the chambers of the evaporators 120. For example, for an individualevaporator 120 the liquid working fluid (WF_(L)) is supplied from theliquid distribution passage 130 to an inlet 132 (e.g., one of aplurality of inlets) of a chamber of the evaporator 120. As the liquidworking fluid (WF_(L)) absorbs heat, it vaporizes to become a vaporworking fluid (WF_(V)) and is directed through an outlet 142 (e.g., oneof a plurality of outlets) of the chamber of the evaporator 120 to thevapor collection passage 140. The vapor collection passage 140 and theliquid distribution passage 130 are each fluidically connected to thecondenser 160 and part of a closed loop system. As such, vapor workingfluid (WF_(V)) from the vapor collection passage 140 flows into thecondenser 160 at a higher pressure than the liquid working fluid(WF_(L)), and the condensed liquid working fluid (WF_(L)) is therebydriven from the condenser 160 to the liquid collection passage 130through which it flows to each of the evaporators 120 in a continuouscycle. The condenser 160 is shown schematically in FIG. 1 , but in someembodiments can be positioned radially peripheral to each of the liquiddistribution passage 130 and vapor collection passage 140 (e.g., theoutermost element of the heat transfer system) and radially inward ofthe insulation member 150. In some embodiments, the condenser 160 can bepositioned physically above the evaporators 120 such the condensedliquid working fluid (WF_(L)) provided from the condenser 160 hasadditional head pressure, which can beneficially provide bettercirculation of the liquid working fluid (WF_(L)) through the evaporators120.

The closed loop system illustrated and described with reference to FIG.1 and elsewhere herein enables embodiments of the present technology toprovide the enhanced thermal treatment (e.g., enhanced cooling) relativeto the conventional heat transfer devices. Additionally, the closed loopsystem of embodiments of the present technology mitigates the issuesdescribed previously with regard to overheating, dry-out, and the like,as vapor bubbles within the present system are limited and supply ofliquid working fluid (WF_(L)) to the evaporators 120 is continuous andreadily available by design.

As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the device 100 can furthercomprise an insulation member or outermost layer 150 peripheral to theheat transfer system, and fully or partially enclosing the otherelements of the device 100. The insulation member 150 can prevent orinhibit heat leakage from the device 100 to the ambient environmentand/or from the ambient environment to the device 100. Additionally oralternatively, the insulation member 150 can form the outermost elementof the device 100. In practice, the insulation member 150 can also serveas a protective barrier between the user (e.g., the mammal 10) and theother elements of the device 100, which can have more extremetemperatures.

In some embodiments, the insulation member 150 can have additionalfunctionality and/or serve other functions. For example, in someembodiments the insulation member 150 can be configured to containcompressed air (or other fluid) with an adjustable pressure to increaseand/or decrease the contact pressure applied from the device 100 on thetarget area of the mammal 110. Altering such pressure can alter bloodflow to and/or from the target area, which can be beneficial fortreating swelling and/or pain. For example, in some embodiments thedevice 100 can cool the target area of the mammal 10 for a period oftime (e.g., 15-20 minute) at an applied pressure supplied via theinsulation member 150 our other member of the device 100, and then ceasethermal cooling and decrease the applied pressure for a period of time(e.g., 5-10 minutes). By decreasing the applied pressure, blood flow tothe target area is enhanced, while the target area is in a cooled state.Additionally or alternatively, the ability to adjust the appliedpressure of the device, and therein the compressive force the device isapplying to the target area, can eliminate the need to remove andrefasten the device 100.

FIG. 2 is top view of the device 100 of FIG. 1 , in accordance withembodiments of the present technology. Portions of the elements of thedevice 100 (as shown in FIG. 1 ) are removed from FIG. 2 to illustrate alayered arrangement of the elements of the device 100. As shown in FIG.2 , the device 100 includes, in a radially outward direction, theflexible support unit 105, the evaporators 120, the liquid distributionpassage 130, the vapor collection passage 140, and the insulation member150. For illustrative purposes, the condenser 160 (FIG. 1 ) is not shownin FIG. 2 and the TECs 110 are covered by the evaporators 120.

The device 100 can include one or more sensors 180 a-f (collectivelyreferred to as “sensors 180”), which are illustrated schematically. Asshown in FIG. 2 , the device 100 can include a first sensor 180 a on andconfigured to measure a desired parameter (e.g., temperature, pressure,etc.) of the insulation member 150, a second sensor 180 b on andconfigured to measure a desired parameter of the vapor collectionpassage 140, a third sensor 180 c on and configured to measure a desiredparameter of the liquid distribution passage 130, a fourth sensor 180 don and configured to measure a desired parameter of the flexible supportunit 105, a fifth sensor 180 e on and configured to measure a desiredparameter of the evaporators 120, and a sixth sensor 180 f on andconfigured to measure a desired parameter of the mammal 10. Othersensors may also be included depending on the end use of the device 100.For example, one or more other sensors can be on and configured tomeasure a desired parameter the TECs 110, e.g., to measure individualperformance or abnormal operation thereof. Each of the sensors 180 canbe in communication with the controller and be used to verify and/orimprove safety (e.g., prevent overcooling and/or high pressure zones),efficacy, and operation of the device 100 via the controller.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the heattransfer device 100 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , in accordance withembodiments of the present technology. The device 100 shown in FIG. 3illustrates certain features not viewable in FIG. 1 or 2 . For example,as shown in FIG. 3 , the TEC 110 of the device 100 includes athermoelectric first face 312 at a first side of the TEC 110 andadjacent the flexible support unit 105, a thermoelectric second face 316at a second opposing side of the TEC 110 and adjacent the evaporator120, and a plurality of thermoelectric legs or pillars 314 extendingbetween the first face 312 and the second face 316. In some embodimentsthe second face 316 may be omitted and the legs 314 are in directcontact with the evaporator 120. As shown in FIG. 3 , the TEC 110 andthe heat transfer system including the evaporator 120, liquiddistribution passage 130, and vapor collection passage 140 can have adimension (D₃) of no more than 1 mm, 3 mm, 5 mm, 10 mm, 15 mm, 25 mm, or30 mm, or within a range of 1 millimeter (mm) to 30 mm or anyincremental range therebetween, and the TEC 100 and the evaporator 120can have a dimension (D₄) of no more than 1 mm, 3 mm, 5 mm, 10 mm, 15mm, 25 mm, or 30 mm, or within a range of 1 mm to 30 mm or anyincremental range therebetween.

In some embodiments, the TECs 100 (e.g., the first face 312, the secondface 316, and/or the legs 314) can comprise a rigid material that isgenerally inflexible. In such embodiments it can be desirable to limitthe footprint of individual TECs 100 to maintain the overall flexibilityof the device 100 (or any other heat transfer device disclosed elsewhereherein) and ensure it can conform around or to the geometry of a targetarea (e.g., the knee). That is, by limiting the footprint of the TECs100 in such embodiments, and therein the rigid portions of the device100, the device 100 can have sufficient flexibility, e.g., from theflexible support unit 105 to conform around or to the geometry of atarget area to improve thermal contact between the mammal and the TECs110 of the device 100. In some embodiments, the TECs can have afootprint (e.g., over the flexible support unit 105) of no more than 2mm², 3 mm², 4 mm², 5 mm², 6 mm², 7 mm², 8 mm², or 9 mm², or within arange of 2-9 mm² or any incremental range therebetween.

In some embodiments, the first face 312, the second face 316, and/or thelegs 314 of individual TECs 110 can comprise a flexible material, e.g.,to enable the TECs 110 to better conform to a target area when thedevice is worn by a mammal. Relative to those embodiments in which theTECs 110 are formed of rigid materials, using a flexible material, e.g.,for the first face 312 (i.e., the hot side) of the TEC 110 can enablethe foot print of the TEC 110s to be larger since the flexibility of thedevice 100 is no longer limited by the TECs 110. In doing so, the largerheat TECs 110 can enable a higher capacity for heat transfer and/ordecrease manufacturing costs for the device 100.

As shown in FIG. 3 , the evaporators 120 can include a chamber 320, abase substrate or member 322 within the chamber 320, a plurality ofmicrofeatures 324 that protrude from the base member 322, and channels326 formed between and defined by adjacent ones of the microfeatures324. The evaporators 120 can comprise an integral structure (e.g., asingle component) and thus include a continuous surface extending alongthe base member 322 and the channels 326. As shown in FIG. 3 , theliquid working fluid (WF_(L)) is disposed within the channels 326 andcan form a meniscus, which is due in part to the properties of theliquid working fluid (WF_(L)) and the microfeatures 324, or moreparticularly the heat of the microfeatures 324 and arrangement (e.g.,spacing) of the microfeatures 324 relative to one another. Without beingbound by theory, the meniscus can form a thin film portion at aninterface with the adjacent microfeature walls that enhances evaporationand thus enables efficient heat transfer from the TECs 110 to theevaporator 120, to the liquid working fluid (WF_(L)), and to the vaporworking fluid (WF_(V)). In operation, the heat and/or arrangement of themicrofeatures 324 induce capillary forces to the liquid working fluid(WF_(L)) and causes the liquid working fluid (WF_(L)) to move from theinlet region 132 at a first end of the chamber 320 to the outlet region142 at a second opposing end of the chamber 320 where it exits as avapor working fluid (WF_(V)). Individual microfeatures 324 can have alateral dimension (D₁) of 5 microns to 250 microns, and can be spacedapart from adjacent microfeatures 324 by a lateral dimension (D₂) of5-1,000 microns.

As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the microfeatures 324 extendfrom the base member 322 away from the TECs 110. In other embodiments,the evaporator 120 can be disposed in an opposite orientation with thebase member 322 being adjacent the liquid distribution passage 130 orinsulation member 150 and the microfeatures extending from the basemember 322 toward the TECs 110. In such embodiments, the evaporator 120includes a reservoir adjacent the TEC 110 and containing the liquidworking fluid (WF_(L)), and end portions of the microfeatures 324 aresubmerged within the liquid working fluid (WF_(L)). In operation, themicrofeatures 324 induce capillary forces on the liquid working fluid(WF_(L)) and generate vapor working fluid (WF_(V)) that escapes thechamber 320 and collects in the vapor collection passage 140.

FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional isometric view of a portion of the heattransfer device 100, in accordance with embodiments of the presenttechnology. Only the TEC 110 and evaporator 120 are shown in FIG. 4A andother elements of the device 100 are omitted for illustrative purposes.As shown in FIG. 4A, the evaporator 120 has microfeatures 324 defined bycontinuous elongated walls that form continuous elongated channels 326arranged in multiple rows. The channels 326 can be substantiallyidentical to one another and have a uniform width along its length. Insome embodiments, the channels 326 can have widths that vary along theirlength, e.g., becoming narrower as they approach an inlet or outlet ofthe evaporator chamber. Additionally or alternatively, individualchannels may differ (e.g., be wider or narrower) than adjacent channels.Without being bound by theory, such channel design can induce additionalfavorable pressure gradients on liquid working fluid flow. FIG. 4B is across-sectional view of a portion of a heat transfer device 100, inaccordance with embodiments of the present technology, in which themicrofeatures 324 are pillars or pins arranged in rows and columns, orother suitable arrangements that define channels 326 in the spacesbetween the microfeatures 326. Although the pin-type microfeatures 324shown in FIG. 4B have a rectilinear cross-section, they can havecircular or other cross-sectional shapes (e.g., hexagonal, octagonal,etc.) As also shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the liquid working fluid(WF_(L)) within the channels 326 defined by the microfeatures 324 flowsfrom the inlet region 132 to the outlet region 142 where it exits thechamber 320 as the vapor working fluid (WF_(V)).

FIG. 5A is a partially schematic top view of a single-phase heattransfer system 515 of a wearable heat transfer device (e.g., the device50; FIG. 1A), and FIG. 5B is a partially schematic cross-sectional sideview of the heat transfer system 515 of FIG. 5A. Similar to the heattransfer systems or portions thereof previously described (e.g., withreference to FIGS. 1A-4B), the heat transfer system 515 is disposed overthe TECs 110 and configured to remove heat therefrom. Referring to FIGS.5A and 5B together, the heat transfer system 515 can include a basemember or substrate 522 disposed over one or more TECs 110. Thesubstrate 522 can include a plurality of microfeatures 524 (e.g., pinsor other structures configured to increase and exposed surface area ofthe substrate) that at least partially define channels 526 of a fluiddistribution network or manifold 525. The microfeatures 524 and channels526 can include the features and/or functionality of the respectivemicrofeatures 322 and channels 324 described elsewhere herein. Thechannels 524 are configured to receive a liquid working fluid (WF_(L))to absorb heat from the substrate 522 and/or microfeatures 522. Theliquid working fluid (WF_(L)) can be provided to the individual fluiddistribution networks 525 at a first temperature and an inlet 528positioned at an intermediate or central region thereof, and exit thefluid distribution network at a second temperature lower than the firsttemperature and at outlets 530 a-b (collectively referred to as “theperipheral regions 530”) at peripheral regions on opposing sides of thefluid distribution network 525. By providing the liquid working fluid(WF_(L)) at an intermediate region, the fluid distribution network 525can provide more uniform cooling, relative to a fluid distributionnetwork that supplied the liquid working fluid (WF_(L)) on a first sideand removed heated the liquid working fluid (WF_(L)) from a secondopposing side. As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the fluid distributionnetwork 525 includes only one inlet and one outlet 530a, 530 b on eachside of the fluid distribution network 525. In other embodiments, thefluid distribution network 525 can include multiple inlets and/ormultiple outlets.

The heat transfer system 515 can further include (i) a heat exchanger560 that cools the heated liquid working fluid (WF_(L)), e.g., to thefirst temperature, and (ii) one or more pumps 565 configured tocirculate the liquid working fluid (WF_(L)) throughout the heat transfersystem 515. The heat exchanger 560 can include features andfunctionality identical to the heat exchanger 160 described elsewhereherein.

FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view of a wearable heat transfer device 600(“device 600”), and FIG. 6B is a top view of the device 600, inaccordance with embodiments of the present technology. The device 600can be similar to the device 100 previously described in that the device600 is configured to be worn and wrapped at least partially around aportion or target area of a mammal. Referring to FIGS. 6A and 6Btogether, the device 600 includes the flexible support unit 105, theTECs 110 disposed over and thermally coupled to the flexible supportunit 105, and a heat transfer system thermally coupled to the TECs 110.The heat transfer system of the device 600 includes a fluid distributionnetwork 620 (e.g., an evaporator) having a first array of microfeatures624 a over and thermally coupled to one of the TECs 110, and a secondarray of microfeatures 624 b over and thermally coupled to another oneof the TECs 110. The first and second arrays of microfeatures 624 a and624 b of each fluid distribution network 620 can be in a common chamber.The arrays of microfeatures 624 a-b can be generally identical to themicrofeatures 324 (FIGS. 3 and 4 ) or microfeatures 524 (FIGS. 5A and5B) shown and previously described.

The heat transfer system of FIGS. 6A and 6B also includes a workingfluid inlet passage 630 to provide a cooling fluid to the fluiddistribution networks 620 and a working fluid outlet passage 640 tocollect a heated fluid from the fluid distribution networks 620. Forthose embodiments in which the fluid distribution networks 620 includeevaporators, the working fluid inlet passage 630 can be a liquiddistribution passage configured to provide the liquid working fluid toan inlet region of the evaporator, and the working fluid outlet passage640 can comprise a vapor collection passage configured to collect thevapor working fluid (WF_(V)) from an outlet region of the evaporator.The working fluid inlet passage 630 and the working fluid inlet passage640 can be positioned laterally peripheral to the fluid distributionnetworks 620. As shown in FIG. 6B, the working fluid inlet passage 630and the working fluid inlet passage 640 can be fluidically coupled to aheat exchanger 660 (e.g., the condenser 160 or heat exchanger 560)configured to (i) receive and cool the heated working fluid from theworking fluid outlet passage 640 and supply the cooled working fluid tothe working fluid inlet passage 630. As shown in FIG. 6A, the device 600can further comprise the insulation member 150, positioned radiallyoutward of the fluid distribution network 620 and fully or partiallyenclosing the other elements of the device 600.

As shown in FIG. 6A, the device 600 can further comprise a flexiblebacking or matrix material 605 disposed between the fluid distributionnetworks 620 and the flexible support unit 105, and at least partiallysurrounding the TECs 110. Stated differently, the TECs 110 are embeddedwithin the flexible matrix 605. The flexible matrix 605 can comprise anelastic material and/or have a flexibility similar to that of theflexible support unit 105. In some embodiments, the flexible matrix 605can comprise a non-conductive, insulative material such as a foam, gel,or composite, and/or an expandable material. In some embodiments, theflexible matrix 605 can provide additional structural support to thedevice 600 when worn by a user.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a wearable heat transfer device 700(“the device 700”), in accordance with embodiments of the presenttechnology. The device 700 includes features generally similar to thosedescribed with reference to FIGS. 6A and 6B, and can include theflexible support unit 105, the flexible matrix 605, the TECs 110embedded within the flexible matrix 605, a fluid distribution network720, the working fluid inlet passage 630 configured to provide theliquid working fluid to the fluid distribution network 720, the workingfluid outlet passage 640 configured to collect the working fluid (e.g.,the vapor working fluid (WF_(V))) from the fluid distribution network720, and the insulation member 150 radially outward of the fluiddistribution network 720. The fluid distribution network 720 can begenerally similar to and include the functionality of the fluiddistribution network 620 (FIGS. 6A and 6B), fluid distribution network520 (FIGS. 5A and 5B), and/or evaporators 120 (FIGS. 1-4 ) previouslydescribed. Relative to the fluid distribution network 620, the fluiddistribution network 720 does not have multiple array portions spacedapart from one another. As such, the fluid distribution network 720 canhave a relatively smaller footprint than that of the fluid distributionnetwork 620 and thus allow the device 700 to be relatively more flexibleand/or bendable. In practice, this can enable a better fit of the device700 on the user and/or ensure better thermal contact between the TECs110 and the target area of the user.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a wearable heat transfer device 800(“the device 800”), in accordance with embodiments of the presenttechnology. The device 800 includes features generally similar to thosedescribed with reference to FIG. 7 , and can include the flexiblesupport unit 105, the flexible matrix 605, the TECs 110 embedded withinthe flexible matrix 605, the fluid distribution network 720, the workingfluid inlet passage 630 configured to provide the liquid working fluid(WF_(L)) to the fluid distribution network 720, the working fluid outletpassage 640 configured to collect the working fluid (e.g., a vaporworking fluid (WF_(V))) from the fluid distribution network 720, and theinsulation member 150 radially outward of the fluid distribution network720. The device 800 can further include a flexible support material 850positioned between the insulation member 150 and the flexible matrix 505and surrounding the heat transfer system. Stated differently, the fluiddistribution networks 720, the liquid distribution passage 530, and/orthe vapor collection passage 540 can be embedded within the flexiblesupport material 850. The flexible support material 850 can comprise anelastic material and/or have a flexibility similar to that of theflexible support unit 105 or flexible matrix 505. In some embodiments,the flexible support material 850 can comprise a non-conductive,insulative material such as a foam, gel, and/or composite. In practice,the flexible support material 850 is configured to provide additionalstructural support to the device 500 when worn by a user.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a wearable heat transfer device 900,in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. The device 900includes features generally similar to those described with reference toFIG. 7 , and can include the flexible support unit 105, the TECs 110embedded over and thermally coupled to the flexible support unit 105,the fluid distribution networks 720 over and thermally coupled tocorresponding ones of the TECs 110, the liquid distribution passage 530configured to provide the liquid working fluid (WF_(L)) to the fluiddistribution networks 720, and the vapor collection passage 540configured to collect the vapor working fluid (WF_(V)) from the fluiddistribution networks 720. As shown in FIG. 9 , the device 900 canfurther include a flexible backing or matrix 905 disposed over theflexible support unit 105 and surrounding the TECs 110. The flexiblematrix 905 can include pockets 909 (e.g., openings or voids) configuredto encase individual ones of the fluid distribution networks 120 and theTECs 110. The flexible matrix 905 can comprise an elastic materialand/or have a flexibility similar to that of the flexible support unit105. In some embodiments, the flexible matrix 905 can comprise anon-conductive, insulative material such as a foam, gel, and/orcomposite material. In practice, the flexible matrix 905 is configuredto provide additional structural support to the device 500 when worn bya user. Advantageously, the device 900 may not include an insulationlayer or member radially outward of the flexible matrix 905, as theflexible matrix 905 can act as an insulative barrier itself.

III. Wearable Heat Transfer Device Areas of Treatment

The wearable heat transfer devices disclosed herein can be designed fordifferent target areas and/or body parts, including the head, neck,chest, shoulder, upper back, lower back, upper arm, lower arm, wrist,waist, upper leg, lower leg, feet, hands, etc. The devices can be placedon the target area utilizing fasteners, adhesives, straps, tape (e.g.,Velcro), belts, or any other means known and practiced in the relevantart. Some of the target areas are illustrated in FIGS. 10A-19 , whichare various partially schematic views of the heat transfer devices beingworn by a mammal 10. The devices shown in FIGS. 10A-19 can correspond toany of the devices (e.g., devices 50, 100, 600, 700, 800, 900) describedherein, and thus can each include some or all of the elements (e.g., theflexible support unit, TECs, fluid distribution network, evaporators,etc.) described elsewhere herein. With reference to these figures, thedevice 1000 shown in FIG. 10A is disposed around a knee region of themammal 10, the device 1100 shown in FIG. 11 is disposed over a shoulderregion of the mammal 10, the device 1200 shown in FIG. 12 is disposedaround an ankle and/or lower leg region of the mammal 10, the device1300 is disposed around head and neck regions of the mammal 10, thedevice 1400 is disposed around head, neck, and facial (e.g., nasal)regions of the mammal 10, the device 1500 is disposed around a neckregion of the mammal 10, the device 1600 is disposed around a wristand/or lower arm region of the mammal 10, the device 1700 is disposedaround an elbow region of the mammal 10, the device 1800 is disposedaround lower and upper body regions of the mammal 10, and the device1900 is disposed around lower body, upper body, and head regions of themammal 10.

FIGS. 10B-10D are partially schematic views of a heat transfer system1090 including the heat transfer device 1000 and a plurality ofsubsystems or other device elements. In addition to the device 1000, thesystems described with reference to FIGS. 10B-10D can apply to or beincorporated with any of the devices (e.g., the device 50, 100, 400,500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1100, 1200, 1300, 1400, 1500, 1600, 1700, 1800,1900) disclosed herein. The subsystems and/or device elements can beintegrated into a package 1050 secured to the mammal 10 (e.g., at awaist region). The device 1000 can include a heat exchanger 1060 and oneor more pumps 1062, which can both be stored in the package 1050. Theheat exchanger 1060 can include a condenser (e.g., the condenser 160),e.g., if the heat transfer system of the device 1000 is a two-phasesystem, or a liquid-air heat exchanger (e.g., the heat exchanger 560),e.g., if the heat transfer system of the device 1000 comprises is asingle-phase system. Storing the heat exchanger 1060 physically abovethe device 1000 can advantageously provide additional head pressure tothe working fluid supplied to the device 1000 and help ensure adequateflow of the working fluid to the fluid distribution network of thedevice 1000. The one or more pumps 1062 can be fluidically coupled tothe heat exchanger 1060 and the heat transfer system of the device 1000,and can ensure adequate flow of the working fluid throughout the heattransfer system.

The heat transfer system 1090 can further include a power source 1092operably coupled to the device 1000 and configured to provide power tothe TECs 110 (FIG. 10C). The power source 1092 can enable the TECs 110to be set to a particular temperature for heating and/or coolingpurposes. In some embodiments, the power source 1092 can include aportable energy storage device (e.g., a battery).

The heat transfer system 1090 can further include a controller and/orelectronic component(s) 1094 operably coupled to the device 1000, powersource 1092, and other subsystems. In some embodiments, the controllerand/or electronic component(s) 1094 can include a transmitter and/orreceiver enabling the controller 1094 to communicate (e.g., wirelesslycommunicate) with a remote user interface (e.g., on a mobile deviceand/or remote network) and/or the device 1000. In some embodiments, thecontroller 1094 can be configured to operate the device 1000 in one of aplurality of operating modes (e.g., a cooling mode, a heating mode, orboth), and/or provide a process value (e.g., a set temperature) at whichthe device 1000 is configured to operate. In some embodiments, thecontroller 2294 can provide a setpoint temperature within a range of 40°C. to −20° C. (e.g., 35° C., 20° C., 0° C., −10° C., etc.) to the device1000 such that the TECs (e.g., the first or second side of the TECs) areconfigured to operate at the setpoint temperature. Additionally oralternatively, the controller 1094 can be configured to receive inputsfrom sensors (e.g., sensors 180 a-f; FIG. 2 ) on the device 1000 andcontrol the device based on the received inputs. For example, thecontroller 1094 can determine any abnormalities of the operating deviceand automatically generate indications of the abnormalities and/oradjust the operating parameters of the device. Additionally oralternatively, the controller 1094 may utilize artificial intelligenceand/or machine learning to adjust power and/or other control parameters,e.g., based on previous treatments used for the same user or a group ofusers.

In some embodiments, the heat transfer system 1090 can include a conduit1080 extending from the package 1050 to the device 1000. The conduit1080 can include (i) fluid transport lines, e.g., extending from andfluidically coupling the heat exchanger 1060 and/or one or more pumps1062 to the fluid distribution network of the device 1000, (ii) powerlines, e.g., extending from and operably coupling the power source 1092to the TECs, and/or (iii) other wires, e.g., extending from and operablycoupling the controller to sensors on the device 1000. In someembodiments, the conduit 1080 is omitted, e.g., as shown and describedwith reference to FIG. 10D. Additionally or alternatively, in someembodiments in which the conduit 1080.

FIG. 10C illustrates another view of the system 1090 shown and describedwith reference to FIG. 10B, but omits an outer cover of the device 1000for illustrative purposes. As such, the TECs 110, flexible support unit105, and heat transfer system 115 previously described with reference toothers figures are shown schematically.

FIG. 10D illustrates another system 1099 which is generally similar tothe system 1090 shown and described with reference to FIGS. 10B and 10C,but the package 1050 and its components (e.g., the heat exchanger 1060,pump 1062, power source 1092, and/or controller 1094) are embeddedwithin the device 1000, e.g., physically above the TECs or majority ofdevice components.

The systems 1090, 1099 described with reference to respective FIGS. 10Cand 10D are shown to be operably coupled to a single device. In someembodiments, the system 1090 or system 1099 can be operably coupled tomultiple devices, e.g., disposed on or around different target areas ofthe mammal 10. For example, in some embodiments the system 1090 (orsystem 1099) can be operatively coupled to a first device disposedaround the knee region and a second device disposed over the shoulderregion. In such embodiments, the system 1090 (or system 1099) canindividually control the first device independent (and individual TECs110 thereon) from the second device, or vice versa.

Each of the devices shown in FIGS. 10A-19 can be used to treat a numberof underlying conditions experienced at the target area, such as pain,swelling, overheating (e.g., for cancer patients), diminished bloodperfusion, diminished nerve connectivity, and/or stroke, amongst otherconditions. Moreover, each of the devices shown in FIGS. 10A-19 can bedesigned based on the particular area of treatment. That is, in additionto designing the device to conform to the geometry of the target area,as shown in FIGS. 10A-19 , other characteristics (e.g., thickness,flexibility, density of TECs, compressive force applied to the targetarea, etc.) may be incorporated into the design based on the targetarea. For example, the device 1000 disposed around the knee region ofthe mammal 10 can be designed to have increased flexibility at the kneejoint area of the device 1000 expected to experience the most bending,and thus may include less TECs adjacent that area. In some embodiments,the design may be based on the expected treatment to be provided via theparticular device. For example, the devices 1300 and 1400 disposedaround the head regions of the mammal 10 can be particularly useful fortreating patients that have experienced a stroke and that needrelatively quick cooling of the head region following the stroke event(e.g., in the ambulance or at the hospital). Accordingly, the devices1300 and 1400 may be preprogrammed with an operating mode configured tothermally treat a patient that has recently experienced a stroke orother relevant condition.

IV. Ocular Region Heat Transfer Devices and Associated Systems andMethods

Cooling the tissue of mammals at the ocular region, or more particularlythe under-eye-tissue, can be an effective treatment for common eyeissues, including under eye puffiness, under eye bags, dark circles, andeye hollows, amongst other known eye issues. For example, eye puffiness,which is the result of periorbital edema and causes fluid buildup underthe eye, can be treated by cooling the area to reduce inflammation.Under eye bags are the result of fat build up under the eyes, and can betreated by a procedure known as cryolipolysis, which appliestemperatures less than 5° C. to freeze and kill corresponding fat cells.Dark circles can be eliminated by shrinking the dilated blood vesselsunder the eyes skin by cooling, which influences vasoconstriction andsqueezes down the vessel to reduce the appearance of the dark circles.Round hollows around the eyes arise due to muscle tensions due to longhours working with computers and phones, and cooling around the eyes canrelax these muscles and help reduce the pressure on the eyes muscle andconsequently eliminates the hollows.

While the benefits of cooling are generally known, the available coolingproducts for performing such cooling are limited and not very effective.Cold compresses, for example, are the primary cooling products for theocular region, but do not provide critical features, including (i)sufficient cooling capacity, (ii) the ability to provide coolingtreatment at difference temperatures, and (iii) a responsive temperaturecontrol system. Additionally, cold compresses are bulky and are thusdifficult to place on small areas such as under the eye with goodthermal contact.

Embodiments of the present technology address these and other issuesassociated with cooling the ocular region with a heat transfer deviceand/or system that is compact, lightweight, and configured to bedisposed at an ocular region of a user/mammal. As described inadditional detail elsewhere herein (e.g., with reference to FIGS.20A-21B), the heat transfer device can include improved coolingcapacity, improved thermal contact between the device and user/mammal,and the ability to precisely control temperature of the adjacentunder-eye area.

FIG. 20A is a schematic isometric exploded view of a heat transferdevice 2000 (“the device 2000”), and FIG. 20B is an isometric view ofthe device 2000 of FIG. 20A in an assembled form. Referring to FIGS. 20Aand 20B together, the device 2000 can include (i) a thermally conductivemember or plate 2005 configured to be disposed against and thermallycoupled to a target area of the ocular region of a mammal 10, (ii) aplurality of TECs 110 thermally coupled to and disposed over thethermally conductive member 2005, (iii) one or more sensors 180configured to sense a temperature of the thermally conductive member2005, target area, and/or individual ones of the TECs 110, and (iv) aheat transfer system 2015 thermally coupled to the TECs 110 and disposedover the thermally conductive member 2005. As shown in FIGS. 20A and20B, the thermally conductive member 2005 and/or the heat transfersystem 2015 can have a crescent shape enabling the device 2000 to bedisposed under and relatively close to the eye, and to complement theshape of the eye. In some embodiments, upper and lower surfaces of thethermally conductive member 2005 and/or the heat transfer system 2015can have a concave shape. As shown in FIGS. 20A and 20B, the thermallyconductive member 2005 and/or the heat transfer system 2015 can have thesame shape, e.g., to limit an overall footprint of the device 2000.

The thermally conductive member 2005 is thermally coupled to and extendsbetween each of the TECs 110. The thermally conductive member 2005 canact as a heat spreader to enhance heat transfer to and/or from thetarget area in the regions between the TECs 110. The thermallyconductive member 2005 can comprise conductive materials and/orbiocompatible materials, including metals, metallic alloys, coatings,polymers, silicone, and/or combinations thereof. In some embodiments,the thermally conductive member 2005 can correspond to the flexiblesupport unit 105 and thus can include any of the features andfunctionality previously described with reference to FIGS. 1A and 1B.

The heat transfer system or unit 2015 is shown schematically in FIGS.20A and 20B, and can include features generally similar or identical tothe heat transfer system 115 described with reference to FIGS. 1A-4above or the heat transfer system 515 described with reference to FIGS.5A and 5B above. Accordingly, the heat transfer system 2015 can be asingle or two-phase heat transfer system. For those embodimentscomprising a two-phase system, the heat transfer system 2015 can includean array of fluid distribution networks (e.g., the evaporators 120; FIG.1B) each thermally coupled to a corresponding one of the TECs 110, aliquid distribution passage (e.g., the liquid distribution passage 130;FIG. 1B) configured to provide a working fluid in a liquid phase(WF_(L)) to each of the evaporators, a vapor collection passage (e.g.,the vapor collection passage 140; FIG. 1B) configured to receive theworking fluid in a vapor phase (WF_(V)) from each of the evaporators,and a condenser (e.g., the condenser 160; FIG. 1B). The heat transfersystem can comprise a closed loop two-phase system, wherein flow of theworking fluid through the system is driven by heat transferred from theTECs 110 to the individual evaporators, and/or by pumps, gravity, orother means. In some embodiments, flow of the working fluid through theheat transfer system can be driven by capillary forces induced bymicrofeatures (e.g., pillars, pins, or walls) that form channels presentwithin chambers of the evaporators that drive the liquid phase of theworking fluid from inlets of the chambers toward the outlets of thechambers.

The TECs 110 can include any of the features and functionality of theTECs 110 described with reference to FIGS. 1B-4 . As such, the TECs 110of the device 2000 can provide precise, controllable, and/or localizedtemperature control at the interface between the target ocular area andthe device 2000. As previously described, the TECs 110 are thermallycoupled to the mammal 10, and can be set to a particular temperatureand/or predetermined temperature profile (e.g., constant temperatureprofile, temperature cycle profile, and/or time based profile) by acontroller (e.g., the controller 2294; FIG. 22 ) to cool and/or heat theadjacent target ocular area of the mammal 10. In some embodiments,individual TECs 110 are controlled by the controller independent ofother individual TECs 110, e.g., to provide localized and variablecontrol when desired. For example, the first side of the TECs 110 facingthe mammal 10 or the second side of the TECs 110 facing the heattransfer system 2015 can be set to a temperature within a range of 10°C. to −5° C. (e.g., 5° C., 0° C., etc.). In some embodiments, the TECs110 can be configured to reach a desired temperature within apredetermined time (e.g., no more than 10 seconds, 20 seconds, 30seconds, 60 seconds, 120 seconds, 240 seconds or 600 seconds).

The TECs 110 can be placed in a heating mode, a cooling mode, or cyclebetween cooling and heating to control the temperature at the targetocular area. Heat flow across an individual TEC 110 can be a function oftemperature difference between its two side and the electric power inputprovide to the individual TEC 110 from a power source (e.g., power 1892;FIG. 18 ) The mode and/or operation of the mode can be selected based onpredetermined cycle times and/or temperature feedback, e.g., from thesensors 180. When in the heating mode, the TECs 110 can provide heat tothe target area of the mammal 10 (e.g., via the thermally conductivemember 2005) by heating the first side of the TECs 110 which causes thesecond sides of the TECs 110 to cool. In some embodiments, the device2000 can further comprise additional resistive heaters (not shown inFIG. 20A) that can be controlled via the controller and configured toheat the adjacent target ocular area of the mammal 10. When in thecooling mode, the evaporators of the heat transfer system 2015 areconfigured to remove heat from hotter second sides of the TECs 110 andthereby enable the first sides of the TECs 110 to cool the adjacenttarget ocular area of the mammal 10. As such, in the cooling mode heatflows from the target ocular area of the mammal 10 in a radially outwarddirection to the TECs 110 and then to the evaporators of the heattransfer system 2015. As previously described, the TECs 110 can alsocycle between the cooling and heating modes, which can enhance bloodflow and perfusion to the target ocular area. Additional detailsregarding individual TECs 110 are provided elsewhere herein (e.g., withreference to FIGS. 1B, 3 and 4 ).

The sensors 180 can includes any of the features and functionality ofthe sensors 180 described with reference to FIG. 2 . As such, thesensors 180 of the device 2000 can be configured to measure a desiredparameter (e.g., temperature, pressure, etc.) of the thermallyconductive member 2005, individuals TECs 110, and/or the target oculararea. Each of the sensors 180 can be in communication with thecontroller and be used to verify and/or improve safety (e.g., preventovercooling and/or high pressure zones), efficacy, and operation of thedevice 2000 via the controller.

The device 2000 can be placed at the target ocular area of the mammal 10using any fastener, adhesive, strap, tape (e.g., Velcro), belt, or otherknow means. However, since the under eye skin is relatively sensitiveand thin, using any fastener that applies pressure (e.g., vacuum,straps, Velcro, etc.) may cause damage to the skin or tissue. Also, thedevice 2000 can be displaced with minor motion of the head, and it maynot be practical for users/mammals to refrain from moving duringtreatment. Accordingly, as shown FIGS. 21A and 21B, the device 2000 maybe disposed against the target ocular area using an ocular device thatthe device 2000 is coupled to. The ocular device can be configured toimprove the thermal contact between the and device 2000 at the targetocular area.

FIG. 21A is a partially schematic front view of an ocular device 2100coupled to the device 2000 of FIGS. 20A and 20B, and FIG. 21B is anisometric view of the ocular device 2100 of FIG. 21A. As shown in FIG.21A, the ocular device 2100 is worn by the mammal 10 and can include aframe coupled to the devices 2000. When the ocular device is worn by themammal 10, the device or devices 2000 are disposed between the frame ofthe ocular device 2100 and the mammal 10 to place the devices 2000 inthermal contact with the mammal 10. In doing so, the devices 2000 can beheld in place to enable therapy via the devices 2000 while the mammalhas the freedom the move his or her head without risk of the devices2000 being displaced. In some embodiments, the frame can include all orpart of the heat transfer system 615 (FIGS. 20A and 20B) of the device2000. For example, the liquid distribution passage, the vapor collectionpassage, and/or the condenser portions of the heat transfer system 2015previously described can be incorporated into the frame of the oculardevice 2100

As shown in FIG. 21B, the ocular device 2100 can be adjusted toaccommodate different mammals 10 and allow for better thermal contactwith the device 2000. For example, the frame of the ocular device 2100can be adjusted along the x-axis as illustrated by B₁ and/or along they-axis as illustrated by B₂. Additionally or alternatively, coupling ofthe device 2000 to the ocular device 2100 (e.g., the position of thedevice 2000 relative to the ocular device 2100) may be adjusted alongthe y-axis as illustrated by A₁ and/or along the x-axis as illustratedby A₂. In doing so, the device 2000 can be placed to enable optimalthermal contact with the target ocular area.

Any one of the heat transfer devices 100, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000,1100, 1200, 1300, 1400, 1500, 1600, 1700, 1800, 1900, 2000 describedelsewhere herein with reference to FIGS. 1-21B can be incorporated intoa myriad of other and/or more complex systems, a representative exampleof which is system 2290 shown schematically in FIG. 22 . The system 2290can include a heat transfer device (e.g., the heat transfer device 100,500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100, 1200, 1300, 1400, 1500, 1600, 1700,1800, 1900, 2000), a power source 2292 (e.g., a portable power source,battery, etc.) operatively coupled to the device (e.g., to the TECs ofthe device), a controller 2294 (e.g., a processor) operatively coupledto the device and the power source 2292, a user interface 2296operatively coupled to the controller 2294 and the power source 2292, aswell as other subsystems. The system 2290 can perform any of a widevariety of functions, such as memory storage, data processing, and/orother suitable functions.

The controller 2294 can be configured to operate the device in one of aplurality of operating modes (e.g., a cooling mode, a heating mode, orboth), and/or provide a process value (e.g., a set temperature) at whichthe device is configured to operate. As previously described withreference to FIG. 1 for example, the controller 2294 can provide asetpoint temperature within a range of 40° C. to −20° C. (e.g., 35° C.,20° C., 0° C., −10° C., etc.) to the device such that the TECs 110(e.g., the first or second side of the TECs) are configured to operateat the setpoint temperature. Additionally or alternatively, thecontroller 2294 can be configured to receive inputs from sensors (e.g.,sensors 180 a-f; FIG. 2 ) on the device and control the device based onthe received inputs. For example, the controller 2294 can determine anyabnormalities of the operating device and automatically generateindications of the abnormalities and/or adjust the operating parametersof the device. Additionally or alternatively, the controller 2294 mayutilize artificial intelligence and/or machine learning to adjust powerand/or other control parameters, e.g., based on previous treatments usedfor the same user or a group of users.

The user interface 2296 can include a display, and/or an application orprogram that enables the user to utilize the device through a mobiledevice (e.g., a phone, tablet, watch, laptop, etc.) or other computingdevice. The user interface 1096 may include a plurality ofpre-programmed thermal management procedures and/or enable the user toadjust cooling and heating parameters based on a desired application.

FIG. 22 is a flow diagram illustrating a method 2200 for treating amammal (e.g., for pain, swelling, overheating, diminished bloodperfusion, diminished nerve connectivity, and/or stroke) via a heattransfer device, in accordance with embodiments of the presenttechnology. The method 2200 can comprise providing a heat transferdevice (e.g., the device 100, 500, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100, 1200,1300, 1400, 1500, 1600, 1700, 1800, 1900, 2000) (process portion 2202),and disposing the heat transfer device over a target area of a mammal(process portion 2204). Disposing the heat transfer device over thetarget area can comprise fastening the device over the target area,e.g., such that the device or flexible support unit of the deviceprovides a compressive force on the target area and positions TECs ofthe device in thermal contact with the target area.

The method 2200 can further comprise initiating temperature controland/or an operating mode of the heat transfer device via a controller(e.g., the controller 2294; FIG. 22 ), thereby causing heat to transferfrom the target area of the mammal to the heat transfer device or viceversa (process portion 2206). Initiating the operating mode can includeinitiating a cooling mode, a heating mode, or both a cooling mode and aheating mode. Initiating the temperature control can comprise providinga temperature for the TECs (e.g., the TECs 110; FIGS. 1A, 1B, 3-9 ) tooperate at or a temperature at which the device is configured to heat orcool the target area within a predetermined time (e.g., 10 seconds, 20seconds, 30 seconds, 40 seconds, 60 seconds, or 120 seconds). In someembodiments, the temperature can be set to be within a range of 40° C.to −20° C. (e.g., 35° C., 20° C., 0° C., −10° C., etc.).

V. Conclusion

It will be apparent to those having skill in the art that changes may bemade to the details of the above-described embodiments without departingfrom the underlying principles of the present disclosure. In some cases,well known structures and functions have not been shown or described indetail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the description of theembodiments of the present technology. Although steps of methods may bepresented herein in a particular order, alternative embodiments mayperform the steps in a different order. Similarly, certain aspects ofthe present technology disclosed in the context of particularembodiments can be combined or eliminated in other embodiments.Furthermore, while advantages associated with certain embodiments of thepresent technology may have been disclosed in the context of thoseembodiments, other embodiments can also exhibit such advantages, and notall embodiments need necessarily exhibit such advantages or otheradvantages disclosed herein to fall within the scope of the technology.Accordingly, the disclosure and associated technology can encompassother embodiments not expressly shown or described herein, and theinvention is not limited except as by the appended claims.

Throughout this disclosure, the singular terms “a,” “an,” and “the”include plural referents unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.The term “and/or” when used in reference to a list of two or more itemis to be interpreted as including (a) any single item in the list, (b)all of the items in the list, or (c) any combination of the items in thelist. Additionally, the term “comprising,” “including,” and “having”should be interpreted to mean including at least the recited feature(s)such that any greater number of the same feature and/or additional typesof other features are not precluded.

Reference herein to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “someembodiments” or similar formulations means that a particular feature,structure, operation, or characteristic described in connection with theembodiment can be included in at least one embodiment of the presenttechnology. Thus, the appearances of such phrases or formulations hereinare not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore,various particular features, structures, operations, or characteristicsmay be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing numerical values usedin the specification and claims, are to be understood as being modifiedin all instances by the term “about” or “approximately.” The terms“about” or “approximately” when used in reference to a value are to beinterpreted to mean within 10% of the stated value. Accordingly, unlessindicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in thefollowing specification and attached claims are approximations that mayvary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by thepresent technology. At the very least, and not as an attempt to limitthe application of the doctrine of equivalents to the scope of theclaims, each numerical parameter should at least be construed in lightof the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinaryrounding techniques. Additionally, all ranges disclosed herein are to beunderstood to encompass any and all subranges subsumed therein. Forexample, a range of “1 to 10” includes any and all subranges between(and including) the minimum value of 1 and the maximum value of 10,i.e., any and all subranges having a minimum value of equal to orgreater than 1 and a maximum value of equal to or less than 10, e.g.,5.5 to 10.

The disclosure set forth above is not to be interpreted as reflecting anintention that any claim requires more features than those expresslyrecited in that claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect,inventive aspects lie in a combination of fewer than all features of anysingle foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following thisDetailed Description are hereby expressly incorporated into thisDetailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separateembodiment. This disclosure includes all permutations of the independentclaims with their dependent claims.

The present technology is illustrated, for example, according to variousaspects described below. Various examples of aspects of the presenttechnology are described as numbered examples (1, 2, 3, etc.) forconvenience. These are provided as examples and do not limit the presenttechnology. It is noted that any of the dependent examples may becombined in any combination, and placed into a respective independentexample. The other examples can be presented in a similar manner.

1. A wearable heat transfer device, comprising:

-   -   thermoelectric components arranged in an array and spaced apart        from each other, wherein individual thermoelectric components        have a first side configured to be thermally coupled to a target        area of a mammal and a second side opposite the first side;    -   a heat transfer system having a condenser and an array of        evaporators in which individual evaporators are thermally        coupled to the second side of a corresponding one of the        thermoelectric components and fluidically coupled to the        condenser, wherein each of the evaporators has (a) a chamber        with an inlet region and an outlet region and (b) microfeatures        in the chamber spaced apart from each other such that, in        operation, the microfeatures induce capillary forces to a        working fluid that drive the working fluid from the inlet region        of the chamber to the outlet region of the chamber; and    -   a flexible support unit comprising a thermally conductive        biocompatible flexible contact member coupled to the first sides        of the thermoelectric components and extending at least between        individual thermoelectric components, wherein the contact member        is a heat spreader configured to enhance heat transfer from/to        the target area of the mammal.

2. The device of any one of the clauses herein, wherein the flexiblesupport unit is coupled to the thermoelectric components and configuredsuch that, when the flexible support unit is attached to the mammal, thethermoelectric components are arranged to be adjacent the target area.

3. The device of any one of the clauses herein, wherein, when attachedto the mammal, the flexible support unit is configured to exert acompressive force against the target area.

4. The device of any one of the clauses herein, wherein the heattransfer system is a two-phase heat transfer unit including theevaporators, and wherein the thermoelectric components and the two-phaseheat transfer unit together have a height, measured along the directionof heat flow from the contact member through the thermoelectriccomponent, of 1 mm to 25 mm.

5. The device of clause 4, further comprising a controller configured to(i) set the two-phase heat transfer unit to a first temperature of 40°C. to −20° C. at the second side of the thermoelectric components,and/or (ii) operate the thermoelectric components to heat the contactmember to a second temperature of 20° C. to 40° C. in 1-10 seconds

6. The device of clause 4, wherein the two-phase heat transfer unit hasa thickness measured in the direction of the heat flow from thethermoelectric component of 1 mm to 8 mm.

7. The device of any one of the clauses herein, wherein themicrofeatures are spaced apart from each other by 10 microns to 1,000microns.

8. The device of any one of the clauses herein, wherein the chambersinclude channels defined by walls of the microfeatures extending fromthe inlet region to the outlet region of the chamber.

9. The device of any one of the clauses herein, wherein themicrofeatures are pins in the chamber.

10. The device of any one of the clauses herein, wherein themicrofeatures are spaced apart from each other by 5 microns to 250microns.

11. The device of any one of the clauses herein, wherein the flexiblesupport unit comprises a flexible elastic material configured to be wornby the mammal such that the thermoelectric components are adjacent thetarget area, and wherein the thermoelectric components and theevaporators are supported either directly or indirectly by the flexiblesupport unit.

12. The device of clause 11, further comprising a portable power sourceelectrically coupled to the thermoelectric components such that thesystem is configured to be portably worn by the mammal.

13. The device of clause 12, wherein the power source is attached to theflexible support unit.

14. The device of clause 12, wherein the power source is separate fromthe flexible support unit and electrically coupled to the thermoelectriccomponents by conductive lines.

15. The device of any one of the clauses herein, wherein the flexiblesupport unit comprises an elastic wrap configured to be wrapped aroundthe target area and straps with a fastener configured to retain theelastic wrap and exert a compressive force against the mammal.

16. The device of any one of the clauses herein, wherein the contactmember comprises a metal sheet.

17. The device of any one of the clauses herein, wherein the contactmember comprises (a) a metal sheet having a first side attached to thefirst sides of the thermoelectric components and a second side and (b) anon-metal contact material on the second side of the metal sheet.

18. The device of any one of the clauses herein, wherein the heattransfer unit includes a working fluid distribution passage in fluidcommunication with the array of evaporators and configured to supply theworking fluid to the inlet region of the chamber of each of theevaporators.

19. The device of clause 18, further comprising a vapor collectionpassage in fluid communication with the array of evaporators andconfigured to collect vapor from the outlet region of the chamber ofeach of the evaporators.

20. The device of any one of the clauses herein, wherein the flexiblesupport unit further comprises a backing material disposed over thecontact member, wherein the thermoelectric components are embeddedwithin the backing material.

21. The device of any one of the clauses herein, wherein the flexiblesupport unit further comprises a backing material defining a pluralityof pockets, wherein the thermoelectric components are disposed withinthe pockets of the backing material.

22. The device of any one of the clauses herein, further comprising apressure adjustment member positioned radially outward of theevaporators, the pressure adjustment member being configured to increaseand/or decrease the compressive force applied to the target tissue viathe device.

23. The device of any one of the clauses herein, wherein the device isconfigured to treat an underlying condition including at least one ofpain, swelling, overheating, diminished blood perfusion, diminishednerve connectivity, or stroke.

24. The device of any one of the clauses herein, wherein the device isconfigured to be worn around or on an arm, leg, back shoulder, head, orneck region of the mammal.

25. The device of any one of the clauses herein, wherein, in operation,the device is configured to cool the target area to a cooling depth ofat least 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, or 5 mm.

26. The device of any one of the clauses herein, wherein individualthermoelectric components have different orientations than otherindividual thermoelectric components.

27. The device of any one of the clauses herein, wherein individualevaporators have different orientations than other individualevaporators.

28. A wearable heat transfer device, comprising:

-   -   thermoelectric components arranged in an array and spaced apart        from each other, wherein individual thermoelectric components        have a first side configured to be thermally coupled to a target        area of a mammal and a second side opposite the first side;    -   a heat transfer system including a heat exchanger and an array        of fluid distribution networks in which individual fluid        distribution networks are thermally coupled to the second side        of a corresponding one of the thermoelectric components and        fluidically coupled to the heat exchanger, wherein each of the        fluid distribution networks has an inlet region, an outlet        region, and microfeatures spaced apart from each other to at        least partially define channels configured to receive a working        fluid, wherein, in operation, the working fluid flows from the        inlet region to the outlet region and absorbs heat from the        microfeatures; and    -   a flexible support unit comprising a thermally conductive        flexible contact member coupled to the first sides of the        thermoelectric components and extending at least between        individual thermoelectric components, wherein the contact member        is a heat spreader configured to enhance heat transfer from the        target area of the mammal.

29. The device of any one of the clauses herein, wherein:

-   -   the heat transfer system is a two-phase heat transfer system,    -   the fluid distribution networks comprise evaporators each        including a chamber that has the inlet region and the outlet        region,    -   the heat exchanger is a condenser, and    -   in operation, the microfeatures induce capillary forces to the        working fluid that drive the working fluid from the inlet region        of the chamber to the outlet region of the chamber.

30. The device of clause 29, wherein the evaporators and thethermoelectric components together have a height, measured along thedirection of heat flow from the contact member through thethermoelectric component, of 1 mm to 25 mm.

31. The device of clause 29, further comprising a controller configuredto (i) set the second side of the thermoelectric components to a firsttemperature of 40° C. to −20° C., and/or (ii) operate the thermoelectriccomponents to thermally treat the contact member to a second temperatureof 40° C. to −20° C.

32. The device of clause 29, wherein individual evaporators have athickness, measured in the direction of the heat flow from thethermoelectric component, of no more than 8 mm.

33. The device of clause 29, wherein the heat transfer system includes aworking fluid distribution passage fluidically coupled to the array ofevaporators and configured to supply the working fluid to the inletregion of the chamber of each of the evaporators.

34. The device of clause 33, further comprising a vapor collectionpassage fluidically coupled to the array of evaporators and configuredto collect vapor from the outlet region of the chamber of each of theevaporators.

35. The device of any one of the clauses herein, wherein the channelsare defined by walls of the microfeatures extending from the inletregion to the outlet region.

36. The device of any one of the clauses herein, wherein the inletregion of the fluid distribution network is positioned at anintermediate region of the fluid distribution network and the outletregion includes a first outlet at a first side of the fluid distributionnetwork and a second outlet at a second side of the fluid distributionnetwork opposite the first side.

37. The device of any one of the clauses herein, wherein the heattransfer system further comprises a pump fluidically coupled to the heatexchanger and the fluid distribution network, the pump being andconfigured to pump the working fluid throughout the heat transfersystem.

38. The device of any one of the clauses herein, wherein the flexiblesupport unit is coupled to the thermoelectric components and configuredsuch that, when the flexible support unit is attached to the mammal, thethermoelectric components are arranged to be adjacent the target area.

39. The device of any one of the clauses herein, wherein, when attachedto the mammal, the flexible support unit is configured to exert acompressive force against the target area.

40. The device of any one of the clauses herein, wherein themicrofeatures are spaced apart from each other by 10 microns to 1,000microns.

41. The device of any one of the clauses herein, wherein themicrofeatures are pins in the chamber.

42. The device of any one of the clauses herein, wherein themicrofeatures are spaced apart from each other by 5 microns to 250microns.

43. The device of any one of the clauses herein, wherein the flexiblesupport unit comprises a flexible elastic material configured to be wornby the mammal such that the thermoelectric components are adjacent thetarget area, and wherein the thermoelectric components and theevaporators are supported either directly or indirectly by the flexiblesupport unit.

44. The device of any one of the clauses herein, further comprising aportable power source electrically coupled to the thermoelectriccomponents such that the system is configured to be portably worn by themammal.

45. The device of clause 44, wherein the power source is attached to theflexible support unit.

46. The device of clause 44, wherein the power source is separate fromthe flexible support unit and electrically coupled to the thermoelectriccomponents by conductive lines.

47. The device of any one of the clauses herein, wherein the flexiblesupport unit comprises an elastic wrap configured to be wrapped aroundthe target area and straps with a fastener configured to retain theelastic wrap and exert a compressive force against the mammal.

48. The device of any one of the clauses herein, wherein the contactmember comprises a metal sheet.

49. The device of any one of the clauses herein, wherein the contactmember comprises (a) a metal sheet having a first side attached to thefirst sides of the thermoelectric components and a second side and (b) anon-metal contact material on the second side of the metal sheet.

50. The device of any one of the clauses herein, wherein the flexiblesupport unit further comprises a backing material disposed over thecontact member, wherein the thermoelectric components are embeddedwithin the backing material.

51. The device of any one of the clauses herein, wherein the flexiblesupport unit further comprises a backing material defining a pluralityof pockets, wherein the thermoelectric components are disposed withinthe pockets of the backing material.

52. The device of any one of the clauses herein, further comprising apressure adjustment member positioned radially outward of theevaporators, the pressure adjustment member being configured to increaseand/or decrease the compressive force applied to the target tissue viathe device.

53. The device of any one of the clauses herein, wherein the device isconfigured to treat an underlying condition including at least one ofpain, swelling, overheating, diminished blood perfusion, diminishednerve connectivity, or stroke.

54. The device of any one of the clauses herein, wherein the device isconfigured to be worn around or on an arm, leg, back shoulder, head, orneck region of the mammal.

55. The device of any one of the clauses herein, wherein, in operation,the device is configured to cool the target area to a cooling depth ofat least 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, or 5 mm.

56. The device of any one of the clauses herein, wherein individualthermoelectric components have different orientations than otherindividual thermoelectric components.

57. The device of any one of the clauses herein, wherein individualfluid distribution networks have different orientations than otherindividual fluid distribution networks.

58. A device for treating pain and/or swelling in a mammal, comprising:

-   -   thermoelectric components arranged in an array and spaced apart        from each other, wherein individual thermoelectric components        have a first side configured to be thermally coupled to a target        area of a mammal and a second side opposite the first side;    -   a heat transfer system having a condenser and an array of        evaporators in which individual evaporators are thermally        coupled to the second side of a corresponding one of the        thermoelectric components and fluidically coupled to the        condenser, wherein each of the evaporators has (a) a chamber        with an inlet region and an outlet region and (b) microfeatures        in the chamber spaced apart from each other such that, in        operation, the microfeatures induce capillary forces to a        working fluid that drive the working fluid from the inlet region        of the chamber to the outlet region of the chamber;    -   a flexible support unit coupled to the thermoelectric components        and configured such that, when attached to the mammal, the        thermoelectric components are arranged to be adjacent to the        target tissue, wherein the flexible support unit is configured        to exert a compressive force against the target area;    -   a temperature sensor positioned relative to the thermoelectric        components to measure a temperature associated with the target        area; and    -   a controller coupled to the thermoelectric components, wherein        the controller is configured to operate the thermoelectric        components and the heat transfer system such that the heat        transfer system cools the second side of the thermoelectric        components to a first temperature and the thermoelectric        components changes the temperature of the target area to a        second temperature within 0.5-20 seconds, and wherein the second        temperature is +/−40° C. to −20° C. of the first temperature.

59. The device of any one of the clauses herein, wherein the flexiblesupport unit comprises a thermally conductive biocompatible flexiblecontact member coupled to the first sides of the thermoelectriccomponents and extending at least between individual thermoelectriccomponents, wherein the contact member is a heat spreader configured toenhance heat transfer from/to the target area of the mammal.

60. The device of any one of the clauses herein, wherein the contactmember comprises a metal sheet.

61. The device of any one of the clauses herein, wherein, when attachedto the mammal, the flexible support unit is configured to exert acompressive force against the target area.

62. The device of any one of the clauses herein, wherein the heattransfer system is a two-phase heat transfer unit including theevaporators, and wherein the thermoelectric components and the two-phaseheat transfer unit together have a height, measured along the directionof heat flow from the contact member through the thermoelectriccomponent, of 1 mm to 25 mm.

63. The device of clause 62, further comprising a controller configuredto (i) set the two-phase heat transfer unit to a first temperature of40° C. to −20° C. at the second side of the thermoelectric components,and/or (ii) operate the thermoelectric components to heat the contactmember to a second temperature of 20° C. to 40° C. in 1-10 seconds

64. The device of clause 62, wherein the two-phase heat transfer unithas a thickness measured in the direction of the heat flow from thethermoelectric component of 1 mm to 8 mm.

65. The device of any one of the clauses herein, wherein the chambersinclude channels defined by walls of the microfeatures extending fromthe inlet region to the outlet region of the chamber.

66. The device of any one of the clauses herein, wherein themicrofeatures are pins in the chamber.

67. The device of any one of the clauses herein, wherein themicrofeatures are spaced apart from each other by 5 microns to 250microns.

68. The device of any one of the clauses herein, wherein the flexiblesupport unit comprises a flexible elastic material configured to be wornby the mammal such that the thermoelectric components and theevaporators are supported either directly or indirectly by the flexiblesupport unit.

69. The device of any one of the clauses herein, wherein the flexiblesupport unit comprises an elastic wrap configured to be wrapped aroundthe target area and straps with a fastener configured to retain theelastic wrap and exert a compressive force against the mammal.

70. A method for transferring heat to and/or from a mammal, comprising:

-   -   providing a heat transfer device including        -   thermoelectric components each having a first side and a            second side opposite the first side;        -   an array of evaporators each being thermally coupled to the            second side of a corresponding one of the thermoelectric            components and fluidically coupled to a condenser, wherein,            in operation, a working fluid disposed within the            evaporators transitions from a liquid phase to a vapor phase            to enable heat transfer from the corresponding one of the            thermoelectric components; and        -   a flexible support unit coupled to the first sides of the            thermoelectric components and extending at least between            individual thermoelectric components, the flexible support            unit being a heat spreader configured to enhance heat            transfer from the mammal;    -   disposing the heat transfer device over a target area of the        mammal such that (i) the flexible support unit is disposed at        least partially around the target area and exerts a compressive        force on the target area, and (ii) the thermoelectric components        of the heat transfer device are thermally coupled to the target        area;    -   initiating, via a controller operatively coupled to the heat        transfer device, an operating mode of the heat transfer device,        thereby causing heat to transfer from the target area of the        mammal to the heat transfer device and cool the target area.

71. The method of any one of the clauses herein, wherein the flexiblesupport unit comprises a thermally conductive flexible member coupled tothe first sides of the thermoelectric components and extending at leastbetween individual thermoelectric components, wherein the thermoelectriccomponents are thermally coupled to the target area via the contactmember.

72. The method of any one of the clauses herein, wherein disposing theheat transfer device over the target area comprises disposing thecontact member directly against the mammal.

73. The method of any one of the clauses herein, wherein initiating theoperating mode comprises setting the heat transfer unit to a temperatureof −20° C. to 40° C.

74. The method of any one of the clauses herein, wherein initiating theoperating mode causes the device to cool the target area to atemperature of −20° C. to 40 C in 1-10 second.

75. The method of clause 74, wherein the operating mode is a firstoperating mode, the method further comprising initiating a secondoperating mode during which heat is provided to the target area via theheat transfer device.

76. The method of any one of the clauses herein, wherein the flexiblesupport unit comprises an elastic material configured to be worn by themammal such that the thermoelectric components are adjacent the targetarea, and wherein the thermoelectric components and the evaporators aresupported either directly or indirectly by the flexible support unit.

77. The method of any one of the clauses herein, wherein the flexiblesupport unit comprises (a) a metal sheet having a first side attached tothe first sides of the thermoelectric components and a second side and(b) a non-metal contact material on the second side of the metal sheet.

78. The method of any one of the clauses herein, wherein each of theevaporators includes (a) a chamber with an inlet region and an outletregion and (b) microfeatures in the chamber spaced apart from eachother, and wherein initiating the operating causes the microfeatures toinduce capillary forces to the working fluid that drive the workingfluid in a liquid phase at the inlet region of chamber to a vapor phaseat the outlet region of the chamber.

79. The method of any one of the clauses herein, wherein the target areacomprises a region of an arm, leg, lower body, or upper body of themammal, and wherein disposing the heat transfer device over the targetarea comprises disposing the heat transfer device such that the flexiblesupport unit is wrapped entirely around the target area.

80. A wearable heat transfer system configured to be disposed at anocular region of a mammal, the system comprising:

-   -   a thermally conductive member in thermal contact with a target        area of the ocular region;    -   thermoelectric components spaced apart from one another and        disposed over the thermally conductive member, individual        thermoelectric components having a first side thermally coupled        to the thermally conductive member and a second side opposite        the first side; and    -   a heat transfer unit disposed over the thermally conductive        member, such that the thermoelectric components are between the        thermally conductive member and at least a portion of the heat        transfer unit, the heat transfer unit comprising fluid        distribution networks each disposed over a corresponding one of        the thermoelectric components and a heat exchanger fluidically        coupled to the fluid distribution networks, the heat transfer        system being configured to remove heat from the thermoelectric        components.

81. The heat transfer system of any one of the clauses herein, whereinthe thermally conductive member is configured to be disposed directly onan under-eye region of the mammal.

82. The heat transfer system of any one of the clauses herein, whereinthe thermally conductive member is a plate comprising metal, metallicalloy, polymer, and/or silicone.

83. The heat transfer system of any one of the clauses herein, whereinthe fluid distribution networks each comprise an evaporator, and whereineach of the evaporators has (a) a chamber with an inlet region and anoutlet region and (b) microfeatures in the chamber spaced apart fromeach other such that, in operation, the microfeatures induce capillaryforces to a working fluid that drive the working fluid from the inletregion of the chamber to the outlet region of the chamber.

84. The heat transfer system of any one of the clauses herein, whereinthe thermoelectric components are each connected to a portable powersource and a controller, such that individual thermoelectric componentscan be set to operate at a desired temperature between 10° C. to 0° C.

85. The heat transfer device of any one of the clauses herein, where thedevice is configured to treat at least one of under eye puffiness, undereye bags, dark circles, or eye hollows.

86. The heat transfer system of any one of the clauses herein, whereinat least one of the thermally conductive member or the heat transferunit has a crescent shape.

87. The heat transfer system of any one of the clauses herein, whereinan upper surface and/or lower surface of the thermally conductive memberhas a concave shape.

88. The heat transfer system of any one of the clauses herein, furthercomprising a sensor configured to measure a temperature of at least oneof the TECs or the target area.

89. The heat transfer system of any one of the clauses herein, whereinthe thermally conductive member, thermoelectric components, and heattransfer unit comprise a heat transfer device, the heat transfer systemfurther comprising an ocular device including a frame configured to beworn by the mammal and attached to the heat transfer device, whereinwhen the frame is worn by the mammal the heat transfer device ispositioned at the target area.

90. The heat transfer system of any one of the clauses herein, wherein:

-   -   the fluid distribution networks each comprise an evaporator, and        each of the evaporators has (a) a chamber with an inlet region        and an outlet region and (b) microfeatures in the chamber spaced        apart from each other such that, in operation, the microfeatures        induce capillary forces to a working fluid that drive the        working fluid from the inlet region of the chamber to the outlet        region of the chamber.    -   the heat transfer unit includes (i) a liquid distribution        passage in fluid communication with the evaporators and        configured to supply the liquid working fluid to the chamber of        each of the evaporators, and (ii) a vapor collection passage in        fluid communication with the evaporators and configured to        collect vapor working fluid from the chamber of each of the        evaporators;    -   wherein the heat transfer system further comprising an ocular        device including a frame configured to be worn by the mammal, at        least part of the liquid distribution passage or vapor        collection passage being disposed on or within the frame.

We claim:
 1. A heat transfer device, comprising: thermoelectriccomponents arranged in an array and spaced apart from each other,wherein individual thermoelectric components have a first sideconfigured to be thermally coupled to a target area of a mammal and asecond side opposite the first side; a heat transfer system comprising—a heat exchanger, a common inlet fluid distribution passage fluidicallycoupled to the heat exchanger, a common outlet fluid distributionpassage fluidically coupled to the heat exchanger, and fluiddistribution networks fluidically coupled in parallel to the commoninlet fluid distribution passage and the common outlet fluiddistribution passage, wherein— each of the fluid distribution networksis thermally coupled to the second side of a corresponding one of thethermoelectric components, each of the fluid distribution networksincludes an inlet region fluidically coupled to the common inlet fluiddistribution passage, an outlet region fluidically coupled to the commonoutlet fluid distribution passage, and microfeatures spaced apart fromeach other along a first axis to at least partially define channelsconfigured to receive a working fluid, and in operation, the workingfluid flows from the inlet region to the outlet region and absorbs heatfrom the microfeatures, wherein the microfeatures are spaced apart fromcorresponding thermoelectric components along a second axis,perpendicular to the first axis, by a first distance and one of thecommon inlet fluid distribution passage or the common outlet fluiddistribution passage is spaced apart from the correspondingthermoelectric components along the second axis by a second distancegreater than the first distance, and wherein a distance between thefirst side of the individual thermoelectric components and an outermostsurface of one of the common inlet fluid distribution passage or thecommon outlet fluid distribution passage is no more than 30 millimeters;and a flexible support unit coupled to the first side of thethermoelectric components such that when the flexible support unit isattached to the mammal the thermoelectric components are arranged to beadjacent to the target area.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein thecommon inlet fluid distribution passage and the common outlet fluiddistribution passage are spaced apart from the correspondingthermoelectric components along the second axis by at least the seconddistance.
 3. The device of claim 1, wherein the common inlet fluiddistribution passage is spaced apart from the correspondingthermoelectric components by the second distance and the common outletfluid distribution passage is spaced apart from the correspondingthermoelectric components by a third distance greater than the seconddistance.
 4. The device of claim 1, further comprising a temperaturesensor positioned to measure a temperature associated with the targetarea.
 5. The device of claim 4, further comprising a controller coupledto the thermoelectric components and the temperature sensor, wherein thecontroller is configured to operate the thermoelectric components basedat least in part on the temperature measured via the temperature sensor.6. The device of claim 1, further comprising a controller coupled to thethermoelectric components, wherein the controller is configured tooperate the thermoelectric components such that the first side of thethermoelectric components is set to a first temperature, and the heattransfer system cools the second side of the thermoelectric componentsto a second temperature greater than the first temperature.
 7. Thedevice of claim 6, wherein the thermoelectric components include a firstthermoelectric component and a second thermoelectric component, andwherein the controller is configured to individually control the firstthermoelectric component and the second thermoelectric component to haveunique temperatures.
 8. The device of claim 1, wherein the flexiblesupport unit comprises a thermally conductive flexible member coupled tothe first sides of the thermoelectric components and extending at leastbetween individual thermoelectric components, wherein the thermoelectriccomponents are thermally coupled to the target area via the flexiblemember.
 9. The device of claim 1, wherein, when the flexible supportunit is attached to the mammal, the flexible support unit exerts acompressive force against the target area.
 10. The device of claim 1,wherein a distance between a first face of the individual thermoelectriccomponents adjacent the target area and an outermost surface of the heattransfer system is less than 15 millimeters.
 11. The device of claim 1,wherein the inlet regions of each of the fluid distribution networks arefluidly coupled to the common inlet fluid distribution passage atdifferent areas of the common inlet fluid distribution passage.
 12. Awearable heat transfer device, comprising: thermoelectric componentsarranged in an array and spaced apart from each other, whereinindividual thermoelectric components have a first side configured to bethermally coupled to a target area of a mammal and a second sideopposite the first side; a heat transfer system comprising— a heatexchanger, a common inlet fluid distribution passage fluidically coupledto the heat exchanger, a common outlet fluid distribution passagefluidically coupled to the heat exchanger, and an array of fluiddistribution networks fluidically coupled in parallel to the commoninlet and outlet fluid distribution passages, wherein each of the fluiddistribution networks (i) is thermally coupled to the second side of acorresponding one of the thermoelectric components, and (ii) includes aninlet region fluidically coupled to the common inlet fluid distributionpassage, and an outlet region fluidically coupled to the common outletfluid distribution passage; and a flexible support unit comprising athermally conductive flexible contact member coupled to the first sidesof at least some of the thermoelectric components, wherein the contactmember is configured to enhance heat transfer from and/or to the targetarea of the mammal, and wherein, along an axis extending away from thetarget area when the device is worn by the mammal, the flexible supportunit is inward of the individual thermoelectric components, theindividual thermoelectric components are inward of the correspondingfluid distribution networks, and the fluid distribution networks areinward of at least one of the common inlet fluid distribution passage orthe common outlet fluid distribution passage, wherein a distance betweenthe first side of the individual thermoelectric components and anoutermost surface of one of the common inlet fluid distribution passageor the common outlet fluid distribution passage is no more than 30millimeters.
 13. The device of claim 12, wherein the fluid distributionnetworks are inward of the common inlet fluid distribution passage andthe common outlet fluid distribution passage along the axis.
 14. Thedevice of claim 12, wherein the common inlet fluid distribution passageis inward of the common outlet fluid distribution passage along theaxis.
 15. The device of claim 12, wherein the contact member is coupledto the first sides of the thermoelectric components and extends betweenindividual thermoelectric components, such that the thermoelectriccomponents are thermally coupled to the target area via the contactmember.
 16. The device of claim 12 wherein, when the flexible supportunit is attached to the mammal, the flexible support unit exerts acompressive force against the target area.
 17. The device of claim 12,wherein: the axis is a first axis, each of the fluid distributionnetworks includes microfeatures spaced apart from each other along asecond axis, normal to the first axis, to at least partially defineelongate channels configured to receive a working fluid, and inoperation, the working fluid flows in a lateral direction from the inletregion to the outlet region between adjacent elongate channels andabsorbs heat from the microfeatures.
 18. The device of claim 17, whereina distance between adjacent microfeatures is no more than 1000 microns.19. The device of claim 12, wherein a distance between a first face ofthe individual thermoelectric components adjacent the target area andthe outermost surface is less than 15 millimeters.
 20. A method fortransferring heat from a mammal to a heat transfer device, the methodcomprising: providing a wearable heat transfer device comprising—thermoelectric components arranged in an array and spaced apart fromeach other, wherein individual thermoelectric components have a firstside configured to be thermally coupled to a target area of a mammal anda second side opposite the first side; a heat transfer systemcomprising— a heat exchanger, a common inlet fluid distribution passagefluidically coupled to the heat exchanger, a common outlet fluiddistribution passage fluidically coupled to the heat exchanger, and anarray of fluid distribution networks fluidically coupled in parallel tothe common inlet fluid distribution passage and the common outlet fluiddistribution passage, wherein— each of the fluid distribution networksis thermally coupled to the second side of a corresponding one of thethermoelectric components, each of the fluid distribution networksincludes an inlet region fluidically coupled to the common inlet fluiddistribution passage, and an outlet region fluidically coupled to thecommon outlet fluid distribution passage, and in operation, a workingfluid flows from the inlet region to the outlet region and absorbs heatfrom the fluid distribution network; and a flexible support unit coupledto the thermoelectric components, wherein a distance between the firstside of the individual thermoelectric components and an outermostsurface of one of the common inlet fluid distribution passage or thecommon outlet fluid distribution passage is no more than 30 millimeters;disposing the heat transfer device over a target area of the mammal suchthat (i) the flexible support unit is disposed at least partially aroundthe target area and exerts a compressive force on the target area, (ii)the thermoelectric components of the heat transfer device are thermallycoupled to the target area, and (iii) along an axis extending away fromthe target area, the flexible support unit is inward of the individualthermoelectric components, the individual thermoelectric components areinward of the corresponding fluid distribution networks, and the fluiddistribution networks are inward of at least one of the common inletfluid distribution passage or the common outlet fluid distributionpassage; and initiating, via a controller operatively coupled to thethermoelectric components, temperature control of the heat transferdevice, thereby causing heat to transfer from the target area of themammal to the heat transfer device.
 21. The method of claim 20, whereinthe fluid distribution networks are inward of the common inlet fluiddistribution passage and the common outlet fluid distribution passagealong the axis.
 22. The method of claim 20, wherein the common inletfluid distribution passage is inward of the common outlet fluiddistribution passage along the axis.
 23. The method of claim 20, whereinthe thermoelectric components include a first thermoelectric componentand a second thermoelectric component, and wherein initiatingtemperature control of the heat transfer device comprises individuallycontrolling each of the first thermoelectric component and the secondthermoelectric component such that the first thermoelectric component isset to a first temperature and the second thermoelectric component isset to a second temperature different than the first temperature. 24.The method of claim 20, wherein the heat transfer device furthercomprises a temperature sensor, the method further comprising:measuring, via the temperature sensor, a temperature associated with thetarget area; and controlling the temperature of the thermoelectriccomponents based on the measured temperature.
 25. The method of claim20, wherein disposing the heat transfer device over the target areacomprises disposing the contact member directly against the mammal. 26.The method of claim 20, wherein initiating the temperature controlcomprises setting the thermoelectric components to a temperature withina range of −20° C. to 20° C. to thermally treat the target area.
 27. Themethod of claim 20, wherein initiating the temperature control comprisesinitiating a first operating mode, the method further comprisinginitiating a second operating mode during which heat is provided to thetarget area via the heat transfer device.
 28. A heat transfer device,comprising: a first thermoelectric component including a first sideconfigured to be thermally coupled to a target area of a mammal and asecond side opposite the first side; a second thermoelectric componentspaced apart from the first thermoelectric component along a first axis,the second thermoelectric component including a first side configured tobe thermally coupled to the target area of the mammal and a second sideopposite the first side; and a heat transfer system comprising— a heatexchanger, a common inlet fluid distribution passage fluidically coupledto the heat exchanger, a common outlet fluid distribution passagefluidically coupled to the heat exchanger, a first fluid distributionnetwork thermally coupled to the second side of the first thermoelectriccomponent, first fluid distribution network being fluidically coupled tothe common inlet fluid distribution passage via a first inlet region andto the common outlet fluid distribution passage via a first outletregion, and a second fluid distribution network thermally coupled to thesecond side of the second thermoelectric component, the second fluiddistribution network being fluidically coupled to the common inlet fluiddistribution passage via a second inlet region and to the common outletfluid distribution passage via a second outlet region, wherein— thefirst fluid distribution network is spaced apart from the firstthermoelectric component along a second axis, perpendicular to the firstaxis, by a first distance, at least one of the common inlet fluiddistribution passage or the common outlet fluid distribution passage isspaced apart from the first thermoelectric component along the secondaxis by a second distance greater than the first distance, and wherein adistance between the first side of the first thermoelectric componentand an outermost surface of the common inlet fluid distribution passageor the common outlet fluid distribution passage is no more than 30millimeters.
 29. The device of claim 28, wherein the first inlet regionof the first fluid distribution network is fluidly coupled to the commoninlet fluid distribution passage at a first point and the second inletregion of the second fluid distribution network is fluidly coupled tothe common inlet fluid distribution passage at a second point differentthan the first point.
 30. The device of claim 29, wherein the commoninlet fluid distribution passage is fluidically coupled to the heatexchanger at a third point upstream of the first point and the secondpoint.